Light, refreshing, and super easy to make, granitas are my go-to dinner party dessert. While I do enjoy granitas in the heat of summer, I actually prefer them after heavy winter fare, when a rich dessert just feels like too much. This pomegranate granita would be wonderful after a hearty veggie stew, a feast of succulent roasted meat, or even Thanksgiving dinner.

Pomegranates have a tangy, tannic, earthy flavor which I find mysterious and totally irresistible. Straight pomegranate juice can be quite intense so I've added orange juice and zest to mellow things out just a bit, and the extra layer of flavor adds a wonderful citrusy brightness to the dessert.

We all need an easy recipe (which can be made in advance) to help out with the holidays, right?

In order to thoroughly integrate all ingredients, vigorously shake up pomegranate juice, water, orange juice, zest, and agave nectar in a large lidded jar or old milk bottle (you can also use a mixing bowl and whisk if that's easier for you).

Transfer liquid mixture to a baking dish and place it in the freezer. Every hour or so, remove the dish from the freezer and scrape the solid bits with a fork. After a few hours of freezing and scraping, your granita will be ready to serve. (Keep in mind that the shallower the baking dish and more spread out the liquid, the quicker the chill.) If you forget to scrape the granita regularly and end up with a frozen block of pomegranate ice, go at it with a fork until you have a beautiful flaky consistency.

If you are a serious pomegranate lover like my kids are, serve
little glasses of this granita all on its own. You can also top it with candied orange peel, or keep in mind that the granita is
absolutely delicious topped with billowy sweet whipped cream.

Once it comes out of the freezer, granita melts quickly - be sure to eat it immediately after serving.

55 comments:

Erin - what a stunning and simple dessert! I am having a dinner party this Saturday and this might just be the PERFECT palate cleanser. Hope you and your family are staying warm during these chilly nights. Love the first photo - so stunning. Lisa

Lisa, do you make granitas? They are SO easy and everyone seems to love them. If you end up trying this one for your party, I'd love to hear what you think:)Yes, we're staying cozy on these cooler nights. I'm ready to let summer go. xoxoE

These look delish and I bet they make a yummy base for some liquor in it too. How pretty, Pomegranates are so sexy too. Love it, You always find something something special.. So nice to see your posts.

Oli! You could totally make this granita mixture into a delicious cocktail. I actually made a batch of this granita with a splash of tequila in it and it was so good. Or you could add a little sparkling water to the unfrozen stuff and you've got a very nice pomegranate spritzer. So many possibilities. Great to hear from you as always!xoxoE

If you aren't into using agave, you can use a simple syrup made of water and refined white sugar. While I love to use alternative sweeteners in my cooking/baking, you really want a clean unobtrusive flavor in this granita. Maple syrup, honey, etc all have distinct flavors that I think would be distracting here.

I'm a sucker for pomegranates so am in heaven with this recipe. Stunning. I've only just discovered your site, but it is gorgeous - so many beautiful photos and recipes. I am really looking forward to reading more and more...

Najwa, it's seems to defy logic to want chilly granitas and sorbet during winter, doesn't it? But somehow they really do feel right in contrast to all the heavy comfort foods I also crave this time of year;)All well here!xoxoE

Aww so beautiful, I love this flavor idea! I don't find myself craving too much in the way of ice once the snow starts flying here, but I can picture a warm holiday gathering, everyone too stuffed for a heavy dessert, and slightly drowsy. This would be so perfect for those times, what a great idea, Erin!

The colour of this granita is stunning. We rarely find pomegranates in New Zealand as they are not grown here but will try this when our omega plum is fruiting as the colour will be similar. Stunning photos :)

Nicola, are you a relative of Emma Galloway? What a doll she is.So interesting that pomegranates aren't something grown in NZ! They would love the climate. But I think you're right.... plums would be wonderful as granita as well.I do miss your beautiful country. Such a stunning place.xoErin